Jim Gannon has been sacked after little more than five months as manager of non-league Hyde United.
The Tigers took the decision following a board meeting held by telephone in the wake of Tuesday’s 3-2 Northern Premier League defeat at Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday.
That loss leaves Hyde fourth bottom of the premier division having played more matches than two of the three clubs beneath them.
Gannon won only six of his 21 league games in charge and Hyde had not registered a victory in 10 league games since a fabulous success at title-chasing South Shields on December 11.
Chairman Steve Hartley said: “It was a difficult decision as Jim had a great record at Stockport County, but maybe we were not the right fit for him.
“We were concerned we were not making the progress as hoped and we are in great danger of relegation.”
Mr Hartley added the club will be assessing the availability of potential managers, pointing out the club had a call from somebody interested in the vacancy within one minute of the post going live on the club’s website and social media.
Assistant manager Martyn Coyne will take training tonight (Thurs) and as things stand will be in charge for Saturday’s home league game against Warrington Town.
Coyne stood in for two matches when Gannon contracted Covid-19 and then separately when he had to self-isolate.
The club’s official statement read: “After a great deal of deliberation, the Board of Hyde United Football Club has taken the difficult decision to part company with manager Jim Gannon.
“Although there was an upturn in results at the end of 2021, matters have not progressed as well as was hoped since the New Year, and Hyde United finds itself amongst the clubs in danger of relegation.
“The Board is sorry that things have not worked out for Jim at Hyde, and hopes that, with his significant football experience, he will be successful at another club in the future. The Board would like to thank Jim for his contribution in what has been a difficult season and wish him well.
“A further announcement about a new manager will be made at the earliest opportunity.”